By U.S. Rep. John Kline

Guest commentary

Open enrollment for the Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit – also known as Medicare Part D – runs now through Dec. 31, 2007.

If you did not enroll in Medicare Part D last year, or you are new to Medicare, this is an opportunity to join a Medicare-approved plan and start saving.  If you are currently enrolled in a Medicare drug benefit plan, this is the time when you can change plans should another better fit your needs.

Medicare Part D is a voluntary program that helps pay the costs of prescription drugs for seniors.  The competition between private companies offering drug plans has already driven down costs for taxpayers and beneficiaries.  The average monthly costs are $25 per month, down from prior estimates of $37 per month.

Of the 63 plans that are available in Minnesota, there are 30 with no deductibles and three with premiums under $20.  Seniors living on a fixed-income may qualify for additional help through Social Security.

I was pleased to support enactment of the Medicare Part D prescription drug benefit in 2003.  Additionally, I co-sponsored legislation to expand the initial enrollment period and extend the interim drug discount card and transitional assistance program for our neediest senior citizens.  Medicare Part D guarantees all seniors access to prescription drug coverage.

Most recently, I voted to protect Medicare from a massive cut that would have slashed $180 billion of funding for Medicare Advantage, which currently enrolls almost 20,000 seniors in the 2nd District. These cuts would have overwhelmingly affected low-income seniors.

Over the next five weeks senior citizens will have the opportunity to review their prescription drug benefit options.  It can be confusing.  That is why I would encourage seniors, their families and care-givers with questions to contact my office at (952) 808-1213. 

For help choosing a plan, seniors may contact Minnesota Senior LinkAge Line Information toll-free at (800) 333-2433, or they may call the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid at (800) 633-4227.

Low-income seniors should contact the Social Security Administration to apply for additional help at (800) 772-1213.

Medicare Part D is helping to lower the drug costs for millions of American seniors. By almost every measure, this drug benefit has exceeded expectations, and it continues to score high marks among seniors for providing big savings on their prescription costs.

I encourage seniors in the 2nd District to review the available plans with their family and care-givers to choose the one that will provide the most help with their drug costs. 

U.S. Rep. John Kline, R-Minn., represents the 2nd Congressional District, which includes Shakopee.